meatus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “meatus” mean?
A natural body opening, channel, or passage, especially in anatomy (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A natural body opening, channel, or passage, especially in anatomy (e.g., ear, urethra).
Used in medical, anatomical, and sometimes engineering contexts to refer to a tubular passage or opening. The plural is 'meatuses' or, more commonly, 'meatus' (following Latin).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both follow the same technical definitions. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Solely technical and anatomical, with no cultural or regional connotations beyond the field of medicine.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both regions. Used identically within medical communities.
Grammar
How to Use “meatus” in a Sentence
the [Anatomical_Modifier] meatus (e.g., external auditory meatus)obstruction/inflammation of the meatusVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meatus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not a verb.
American English
- N/A - not a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not an adverb.
American English
- N/A - not an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - not an adjective. (Adjectival form is 'meatal', as in 'meatal stenosis').
American English
- N/A - not an adjective. (Adjectival form is 'meatal', as in 'meatal stenosis').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, anatomical, and biological texts and lectures. Its use defines the speaker/writer as having specialist knowledge.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would cause confusion if used.
Technical
Core term in human and veterinary anatomy, otolaryngology, and urology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meatus”
- Misspelling as 'meatus' (correct), 'meatus' (correct), or mispronouncing as /ˈmiːtəs/.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'hole' or 'opening' outside of technical contexts.
- Incorrect pluralisation (e.g., 'meati'). Acceptable: 'meatuses' or 'meatus'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The accepted plurals are 'meatus' (following the Latin unchanged plural) and the anglicized 'meatuses'. 'Meati' is incorrect.
No, it is a highly technical medical term. Using it in everyday talk would likely confuse your listener unless they are a medical professional.
The most commonly referenced is the external auditory meatus (ear canal). The urinary meatus (opening of the urethra) is also frequently discussed in medical contexts.
No, they are etymologically distinct. 'Meatus' comes from Latin 'meatus' meaning 'a passage, course'. 'Meat' comes from Old English 'mete' meaning 'food'.
A natural body opening, channel, or passage, especially in anatomy (e.
Meatus is usually technical/formal in register.
Meatus: in British English it is pronounced /miːˈeɪtəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /miːˈeɪtəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A - Word does not form idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MEAT' + 'US'. Imagine a doctor in the US examining the 'meat' (tissue) around a body opening ('us' as in a passage for us). It's the MEAT-ous opening.
Conceptual Metaphor
BODY AS A STRUCTURE WITH TUBES/CHANNELS (e.g., 'The meatus is the hallway into the inner ear.').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the word 'meatus' primarily used?